The Healthy Homes and Communities team is currently focused on rulemaking and code development activities resulting from successful legislation in 2023, as well as several community-related issues.

Key areas of activity include:

1. Rulemaking: We are following rulemaking proceedings for:
   1. Building Performance Standards for large commercial buildings,
   2. Outreach program for heat pump deployment, and
   3. Development of a One-stop shop with Oregon Department of Energy for state and federal clean energy incentives.
2. Building codes: The 2023 residential and commercial codes have been adopted as has the new residential Reach code. Next adoption of these will be in 2026, with the process to start in 2025. We follow Zero Coalition‘s policy and advocacy committees for guidance on these topics.
3. Local actions and coalitions: We support local actions to encourage electrification and advance healthy homes, jobs, and communities.

During the 2025 legislative session, there may be opportunities to expand financing for up-front costs for electrification, to address indoor air quality, and to protect utility ratepayers. Possible legislation that the team plans to promote includes:

• Attracting Clean Energy Manufacturing to Oregon
• Next steps in reducing the dangers from the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub
• Slowing the rate of new natural gas installations
• Addressing additional health concerns from indoor methane ignition

One of the goals for the team will be to try to learn from other states and regions that are advancing more rapidly than we are to encourage healthy and more energy-efficient homes and communities.

If you would like. to join the Healthy Homes and Communities team, please contact us.